Well I just wanted to say what an amazing, exhausting, and challenging experience this was. It was an honour to experience it with such a great team. I learned a lot about cycling and more so about what I am capable of doing if I put my mind to it even with a few curveballs thrown in. Would I do it again? Yes, but not in the midst of moving to a different city, getting our house ready to sell and starting a new job.

I would also like to dedicate the achievement to my grandmother Marguerite Lambert who passed away a week before the ride on August 21st. She was the warmest, kindest most generous lady I've ever met and she will be missed dearly by her many friends and family members.

Bulembu and this awareness and fund raising bike ride have now been featured on the Okanogan Shaw TV News, as well as an article in the Kelowna Courier Newspaper!

In the coming days I will post the article and a link to the newsreel featuring an interview with Paul, so please check back! The riders also have some thoughts and pictures to share and they will be posted as I get them.
We'd also like to thank Fresh Air Experience for donating our bike boxes for shipping, and Shamrock Tire Service for lending us a truck to transport them.

Here is a picture of the riders at the finishing point, and our celebration dinner with Scott from the Bulembu foundation. What a great end to a long journey!

Now looking back on the experience (I am sitting at my desk with an icepack on my strained Achilles) I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to take 4 days out of what is normally a fairly busy schedule and focus on a goal that was specific and proved with effort to be achievable. It is rare opportunity to be able to be singularly focused towards a specific goal and for a short time to be able to set everything else aside. The goal was accomplished, the Team incredible, supportive and fun to be with. We raised a worthwhile level of support, introduced many new people to Bulembu in the process, were embraced and supported by the staff at Nicola Wealth, and, most importantly provided encouragement and support to Bulembu and all the recipients in Swaziland who will benefit from this small group who decided to take the long route to Kelowna.

Highlights for me as I look back - the nightly massages that were booked for the end of each day's ride - Thanks Steph! The care package including multiple notes written for me each day - Thanks Amanda! Riding with a world class cyclist (Carl) and benefiting from his expertise, supplies and extra support on those steep hills. Thanks Carl! The incredible scenery especially the Old Highway to Hedley, the ride down the hill into Osoyoos, and the eastside of Skaha Lake. Thanks God for letting us experience a part of your creation! Cycling a portion of the Ironman route with world class athletes that are truly inspiring. Gratitude for good health to be able to finish the 550 kms with a smile and think about upgrading my bike and planning the next ride.

Congratulations to Ruth Landers, who won our draw for two Free Tickets to the Canadian Tenors Conert!

The Canadian Tenors are apearing in concert in Kelowna September 18th at Mission Hill, and on September 19th at the Chan Center in Vancouver.

These concerts are supported by Mission Hill Winery, John Mann (of Spirit of the West), the Afro-cuban sensation Wil Campa band and West Restaurtant group. Pre-concert receptions are not to be missed! Tickets are available via the link below, and act fast, we are already close to sold out!Last year this event raised $945,000 for Bulembu.